Active shooter training held at guard base

The 166th Airlift Wing conducted a brief "active-shooter" training exercise Wednesday morning at the Air National Guard Base near New Castle.

(Photo: TECH. SGT. LIONEL CASTELLANO/DELAWARE AIR NATIONAL GUARDD)

The planned training was held to allow base personnel and first responders to practice a coordinated response to an active shooter, a scenario that tragically played out in 2009 and earlier this year at Fort Hood, Texas.

The exercise, which was not previously announced, began shortly after 10 a.m. and lasted 10 minutes, said Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Matwey, a wing spokesman.

Taking part in the training, held as observers from the wing's inspector general looked on, were wing personnel, local civilian law enforcement authorities and other first responders, Matwey said.

So if you noticed unusual movements of people or vehicles on base, heard occasional loud noises or saw other unusual activity on the base Wednesday morning, that's what it was.

Questions or concerns should be directed to the 166th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office: (302) 593-2126 (mobile), or (302) 323-3369 (office).

Contact William H. McMichael at (302) 324-2812 or bmcmichael@delawareonline.com. On Twitter: @billmcmichael